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Cleaning Leica Cameras


glenerrolrd

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I have several Leica camera bodies that have been cased for years and just need a good cleaning . I can remember the dealers at the camera shows that used to detail the M bodies until they looked new. I have an R9 that looks like it has a dull top plate ..like water dried on it . Have tried the very safe methods of whipping it clean with water, using a lens cloth and even a lens cleaner . Next step seems like it needs a light cleaner . Anyone have any personal experience ..if you haven t done it ..well I am not going to experiment .

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Guest rubidium

OK, please don't laugh, but if it's truly a stain similar to "rain dried on a black car finish" then go to the grocery store and buy "Clean Shower" or one of it's clones. Moisten a clean white cloth and gently wipe the stain. Repeat if necessary and finish by wiping with a cloth moistened with ordinary water. "Clean Shower" contains a chelating agent that allows normally water-insoluble mineral deposits (typically calcium compounds) to dissolve. There's nothing in this stuff to harm the finish.

 

If it's actually acid rain that caused an etch of the finish, then one would need a more aggressive restoration approach - for which I would send the camera to Leica.

 

Jim

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OK, please don't laugh, but if it's truly a stain similar to "rain dried on a black car finish" then go to the grocery store and buy "Clean Shower" or one of it's clones. Moisten a clean white cloth and gently wipe the stain. Repeat if necessary and finish by wiping with a cloth moistened with ordinary water. "Clean Shower" contains a chelating agent that allows normally water-insoluble mineral deposits (typically calcium compounds) to dissolve. There's nothing in this stuff to harm the finish.

 

If it's actually acid rain that caused an etch of the finish, then one would need a more aggressive restoration approach - for which I would send the camera to Leica.

 

Jim

Thanks for the ideas ....I think this needs a very mild cleaner ...I used a mild car wax cleaner on a R lens hood and it cleaned right up ...but I don t really want to experiment with the top plate ...I am sure Leica repair services uses something to freshen the cameras they service....it just seems like a really bad time to call them on such a trivial issue. I will see the Leica reps in Florida in two weeks I will just show them. Thanks

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I think I would try saliva on a rag. I always worked for my mom when my face was dirty. :)

 

Seriously, I think saliva will dissolve the salt deposit and, if cleaned up, won't hurt the finish.

 

Ogned Nash said it the best:

 

"Candy is dandy

But Licker is quicker."

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glenerrolrd,

 

If your R9 is still on warranty please send your camera to Leica because the problem must be whit the protective layer applied on factory on the magnesiun top cover.

Remember the magnesium is more sensitive to corrosion then brass or zinc.so maybe you have one problem like that.

If was this problem Leica should replace the top cover free of charge.

 

Best,

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